Nvidia is rolling out a software update for its Shield TV set top multimedia and streaming device today, bringing the power of Google Assistant to the platform. Essentially, this turns Shield TV into not only a smart, AI-assisted media streaming and management device that's ideal for cord cutters, but it also brings almost all of the Google Home feature set to the system now as well, save for a couple of dedicated functions like timers and phone calls. Of course now, Google Assistant will also have a "head" on it, so to speak, such that you'll be able to see content on your TV that the AI conjures up for you, when responding to requests. For example, you might ask to look at your day's schedule in the calendar app, or get a visual representation of the week's weather report, or the current traffic conditions on your commute to work in Maps. Basically, whatever you can do with Google Assistant on your Android phone, you can now do on the Nvidia Shield TV as well, and on the big screen.

Nvidia Shield Google Assistant Update

Nvidia

Nvidia unveiled the Shield TV's forthcoming Google Assistant capabilities at CES in January and beyond the obvious with these core functions, you also have some pretty great media search and control functionality on board as well now. With this update, you have the ability to search and control video content from a number of sources like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube Red and HBO, where you can interact with the system hands-free. For example you might ask Google what the "airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow" might be. To which, of course, Google would reply narrowing down the search, "African or European swallow?" 11 meters per second is the answer of course but more importantly you could then serve up some Monty Python and The Holy Grail to get your classic comedy fix.

You can also play, pause, skip, and fast-forward from there, as well as adjust volume and even cast audio to Google Home or Google Cast speakers. In addition, commands for services like Pandora, Spotify and even Nest smart home device apps are also available and you can also ask the assistant to bring up your photos on the TV from your Google Photos account. Not to mention the wealth of media organization, consumption and control the device now brings with its recently-enabled Plex Media Server capabilities.

Nvidia Shield TV is not only a powerful, 4K capable media streamer but it also has the ability to play games from the Google Play store, as well as select Shield-optimized titles that Nvidia rolls out with developers. Shield TV is pricey compared to devices like Amazon's Fire TV or Roku sticks, but it has a lot more graphics horsepower, and as the first Android TV device to support Google Assistant, it's also now a lot more capable. Nvidia is having a promo on the Shield TV bundle with just the remote and no game controller for $179. Or you can find the full bundle at the usual places like Amazon and others.